Thursday, February 27, 2025
45.0°F

Evergreen firefighters reject union

CALEB SOPTELEAN/Daily Inter Lake | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 13 years, 8 months AGO
by CALEB SOPTELEAN/Daily Inter Lake
| June 8, 2011 2:00 AM

There will be no union representing Evergreen firefighters.

 Out of 24 ballots cast in an election on unionizing, 13 were opposed and 10 were in favor, according to Election Judge John Andrew of the Montana Board of Personnel Appeals.

One ballot was disqualified because the voter didn’t sign the envelope, Andrew said. One firefighter didn’t vote.

“The election stands for itself,” Evergreen Fire Rescue Chief Craig Williams said Tuesday. “We’re pleased with the results. It’s business as usual.”

Some Evergreen firefighters had requested the election, which was conducted by mail ballot.

The Montana Public Employees Association would have represented the firefighters if unionization had been approved.

The International Association of Fire Fighters Local 547 petitioned to be added to the election but later pulled out after being challenged by the Evergreen Fire Rescue District’s attorney.

The challenge was based on the wording in the Local 547’s constitution and bylaws, which said the documents pertained to Kalispell firefighters. The wording could have been changed, but Local 547, which represents Kalispell firefighters, decided not to delay the union vote.

Evergreen firefighters get paid considerably less than their counterparts in Kalispell. EMTs are paid $8 an hour and paramedics $15 an hour. Kalispell firefighters get paid $16.83 to $27 an hour plus benefits.

Williams previously told the Inter Lake that the election was “all about wages.”

At least two Evergreen firefighters disputed that statement.

Some of the items of concern they alleged include: insufficient standard operating guidelines, no clothing allowance, poor training and support, lack of maintenance for tools and vehicles, and lack of infection control policy.

Reporter Caleb Soptelean may be reached at 758-4483 or by email at csoptelean@dailyinterlake.com.

MORE IMPORTED STORIES

Kalispell union pulls out of Evergreen election
Daily Inter-Lake | Updated 13 years, 9 months ago
Evergreen firefighters to vote on union
Daily Inter-Lake | Updated 13 years, 10 months ago
City, union differ on contract cost
Daily Inter-Lake | Updated 13 years, 11 months ago

ARTICLES BY CALEB SOPTELEAN/DAILY INTER LAKE

June 15, 2011 2 a.m.

Kalispell approved for $1 million in cleanup money

Kalispell recently was awarded $1 million in federal funds to clean up affected downtown properties.

April 29, 2011 2 a.m.

Bigfork residents learn flood preparation

Some 30 people showed up in Bigfork on Tuesday to learn how to make a 96-hour survival pack in case of a flood emergency.

April 6, 2011 2 a.m.

Public sounds off in support of firefighters

Kalispell residents are fired up about a potential change in city ambulance service.